NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Worthing

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

15 weeks

That's 3½ months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust currently has 12,607 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 15 weeks from GP referral. About 5 in 10 Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 245 have been waiting over a year. University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the South East region. Waits at this hospital are about 3.6 weeks shorter than in April 2025. It's slipped down 39 places in the national league for this department's; now 306 out of 313 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
15weeks
▼ -3.6 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
5in 10
▲ +5.6 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
13k
▼ -250
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
245
▼ -496
Been on the list for 12+ months
5 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
12,607
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
43 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
245 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
3,067 people
waiting for a surgery date
Already been told they need an operation

Long waiter breakdown

Of those waiting over a year, here's how long they've been waiting:

231waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
14waiting 1.25 to 1.5 years (65 to 78 weeks)

Wait time over time

Median wait for this department, with the national average as a dashed line.

▼ -3.6 wks

How long are people waiting?

Distribution of patients by how many weeks they've been on the waiting list.

How does this compare?

The national average wait to see an ophthalmologist is about 8 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 306th out of 313 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 51st out of 52 in South East

What does Ophthalmology (Eye Care) cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Cataract surgery
Glaucoma treatment
Macular degeneration
Diabetic eye screening
Squint correction
Tear duct problems
Eyelid surgery
Laser eye treatment
Retinal detachment

Hospital contact

Main hospital switchboard. ask to be connected to the department.

Worthing Hospital, Worthing, BN11 2DH
01903 205111
NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust?

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 12,607 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 15 weeks.

Does University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 55% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust are currently seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. The NHS constitutional target is 92%.

Can I choose a different hospital if the Ophthalmology (Eye Care) wait is too long?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England can ask their GP to refer them to any hospital that provides NHS care. Use WaitRadar to compare Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting times at other NHS hospitals near you before accepting a referral.

This is informational data, not medical advice. Always discuss referral options with your GP. Full disclaimer.